Azar takes 'Hard Road' to Mohegan

Thursday

Steve Azar’s hit single “Hard Road” continues to climb the country charts on the strength of a tune that reflects the times we’re living in.

Steve Azar’s hit single “Hard Road” continues to climb the country charts on the strength of a tune that reflects the times we’re living in.

“With the economy, and how hard people have to work to survive,” Azar explained. “I’ve been married 21 years and I ask, ‘What, is she crazy to stick this out?’ With that said, it really takes two people going 100 percent. At times, one person is exhausted and you’ll have to take the wheel. Then they get rejuvenated and the other person does it and that’s what it takes.”

Azar will bring “Hard Road” and his recent Top 20 single “Sunshine” to the Wolf Den for a free show Sunday night at Mohegan Sun Casino.

“I love, first of all, the people (at the Wolf Den),” Azar said. “I’ve gotten to know people everywhere through the years. I was with Montgomery Gentry the last time at the arena. The Wolf Den, I just love coming back there. It’s sort of a pleasure every year to know they keep inviting me back.”

He credits the airplay New England has given him for not only “Hard Road,” but for “Sunshine.”

Both songs are off his “Slide on Over Here” album and “Sunshine” was his highest charting hit for 2010, producing a No. 1 music video as well. Azar worked with Nashville songwriter James House on five songs for “Slide on Over Here.”

“James is a buddy of mine,” Azar said. “James and I became good friends, we probably wrote 40 songs together the last couple of years. When James is in my studio downstairs, he’ll be there and I’ll be upstairs and I’ll feel him. I think he’s got a key to my house now.”

“Sunshine” was written during a sound check on stage at Azar’s first Bob Seger show in Grand Rapids, Mich.
“It was the mood when I walked off the dark bus ... I goof off at sound checks, and that’s sort of how I do it,” Azar explained. “In 30 minutes it was done. And the way it was done at sound check was the way it went on the air.

Sometimes, you practice a lot and you get a gift. It’s a song I’m really comfortable singing, it’s so low and there’s no pushing. It just sort of floats.”

Later this summer, Azar will be performing during the 2011 CMA Music Festival in Nashville. His show is scheduled for June 10 at the Frito Lay stage outside the Bridgestone Arena Plaza, a place he knows well.

“I always do that, every once in awhile, they’ll let me in the football stadium,” Azar joked. “It’s cool, it’s downtown, right outside the arena. It’s a good time and we support the CMAs.”

And at the same time, Azar will release his latest record. The non-genre “Delta Soul Vol. 1” will be out this summer.
“I’m excited about it because I’ve always mixed my Mississippi roots with different types of projects,” Azar said. “To me, as a body of work, it’ll be my most proud moment because it reminds me of home and all the people who’ve mentored me.”